The Home Base

We've Moved

2010-04-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

We did some renovating of our own and moved to a new location: http://www.legacyremodel.com/blog/

The "Replacement" Kitchen

2010-02-21T10:46:00.001-08:00

Today's blog is about "replacement" kitchens. I put this in quotations because I am not talking about what people typically are referring to when they say "new kitchen." Many homeowners would love to have a new kitchen in their home but feel that it's way more than what they could afford. Prices of $30,000, $40,000 even $70,000 and $80,000 are not uncommon when installing an all new kitchen.

Fortunately, for most people, there is a less expensive option that will accomplish many of the same goals but at a much lower price. This is what I refer to as a "replacement" kitchen. Much like a replacement window fits into the opening created for the last window, a replacement kitchen is laid out just like the old kitchen.

When installing a replacement kitchen, we install new cabinets and counter tops. New appliances are installed and a new coat of paint is applied to the walls. However the layout of the kitchen does not change, the sink, dishwasher, refrigerator and other appliances all are positioned in the same spot as they previously had been. Thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for any plumbing or electrical work. The cabinet and counters are laid out just as before, but using new materials. This reduces greatly the need for any type of framing work, drywall work or other carpentry. If the condition of the floor will allow it, this can also be left unchanged.

By reducing the scope of the project down to the key parts of a kitchen (counters, cabinets and appliances) the job can be performed at a significantly lower price and in a much shorter period of time. Generally speaking, the replacement kitchens Legacy has installed run between $10,000 and $20,000, including the new appliances. This work is done in 3-5 days.

If you have wanted to get a new kitchen but have thought that this too much money. You should consider the concept of a replacement kitchen. This will give you a nice new area in your home, at a reasonable price and with minimal disruption. Best of all, like many remodeling projects, this investment will pay off one day when you go to sell your home.

The Icy Grip of Winter

2010-02-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

With Pittsburgh under record setting amounts of snow and ice this year, many homeowners are finding themselves dealing with leaking gutters and roofs as a result of this weather. In many cases, the specific culprit is something called an Ice Dam. This occurs when roofs are snow covered and gutters become filled with ice. The longer the snow and ice are on the roof and the more of it there is, the worse the situation can become.

The physics behind an ice dam works like this: regardless of how well insulated an attic or roof is, some heat will escape. When the roof is covered with snow, this will melt a thin layer of the snow, closest to the roof. This melt water will run down the roof to the gutter, and if things are working right, down the spout and away from your home. This melt water will flow beneath the un-melted snow on a roof, so it is typically not noticed.

However, when the gutter is full of ice as a result of heavy or continuous snow, this melt water will have no where to go. Therefore when it encounters the ice in the gutter, the water will simply refreeze since it is no longer above a heated part of the home (over hangs and eaves where gutters are attached typically are not heated area's).

This process will continue as long as the roof is snow covered and ice is forming over an unheated area. Unfortunately as that snow continues to sit on the roof and provide melt water for the ice dam, the dam will grow. It will manifest this growth in two ways. First you will begin to see the big ice sickles that are visible all over Pittsburgh right now. The growth of these ice sickles is fed by the melt water from the snow above. Secondly this ice dam will grow back up the roof towards the snow where the melt water is coming from. As this happens the ice will actually lift shingles allowing water to get beneath them. Eventually the ice will grow far enough back up the roof that it is no longer over an unheated area, but is actually over a heated area again (typically this occurs 24-36" up from the roof edge). When the ice dam grows to the point where this melt water becomes blocked from running down the roof, it can then run into your home instead.

Many times this leak is through the roof, and therefore very obviously related to the ice and snow on the roof, but other times the ice will work its way behind siding or brick, infiltrating the home through the walls. This can manifest itself as a leak around a window or an outlet or in another area.

Once you find that this type of a situation has developed on your home, there is very little that can be done other than to remove the source of the water (get the snow off the roof) or remove the ice dam itself by removing the gutter. While removing a gutter may end up costing money to have it replaced in the spring, this will likely be significantly less than the repair for water damage.

As is often the case, with ice dams, an ounce of prevention ahead of time is worth a pound of cure. A properly installed gutter and roof system will prevent ice dams in all but the most severe weather. This would include the use of a roof apron for the gutter to prevent water from getting behind the gutter. Additionally, a good roofer should be using a minimum of 36" of ice and water guard on all gutter edges of a roof and in any valley area's of the roof. Lastly, a gutter heater, if properly installed can prevent an ice dam from forming by keeping the temperature to high for water to freeze in the gutter.

There is no such thing as "Free" Window

2010-01-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today I have decided to tackle the topic of marketing in the remodeling industry. Sadly the home improvement business is very UN-regulated here in Pennsylvania. Although we do have The Home Improvement Contractor Registration law, in many regards, companies are still free to take advantage of people through mis-information, and in some cases, flat out lies.

The biggest driver of most remodeling companies is customer inquiries, or leads. These are the lifeblood that keep businesses in business. With little effective regulation, some unscrupulous companies will put out whatever message they believe will make the phone ring, regardless of how misleading it may be.

Some examples of this are companies that offer windows for ridiculously low prices, like $188 per window or $189 per window. Can you get a window for this price, yes. Is that window efficient when compared to other major brands, No. Is it equipped with options most consumers desire? No. What it is really is an effective way to get a chance to speak with you so that they can offer you the better products or the options that most want, only at a higher price point. It seems very close to bait and switch... although apparently not close enough to warrant action by the state.

Along the same scam ridden lines is the idea of "Buy one, Get one free." This may be an honest offer for pizza's or socks, but I can assure you, there is no such thing as a free window. Since remodeling projects are sold as a negotiated sale it is very hard to prove what a window "normally" costs. Typically its a different price each depending on many variable, including what the sales person can get for it.

For example, lets say a company is willing to discount up to 50% off of an extremely inflated list price of $1,000 per window and sell it for $500, then that same company is able to offer "buy one, get one" by just holding their price high and offering none of the discounts that they normally would and thereby "selling" one window for $1,000 and "giving" you the the other. Either way, 2 windows will cost you the $1,000... its really all just a shell game with these deceptive types of companies.

My advice to someone who is looking for windows is to do your research ahead of time. Look for companies with a lot of information about themselves on their website and good standing with the BBB. Check independent 3rd party sources like www.NFRC.org... There are many good companies out there, like Legacy Remodeling, What I would not do is waste time on companies that have to try to trick people in order to get customers.

Maximize Window Efficiency and Save!

2010-01-17T17:51:00.000-08:00

I am writing this blog entry with a bit of irritation with the bad information that is often given to consumers regarding energy efficiency in windows. As a rule, my company, Legacy Remodeling, Inc. offers highly efficient windows to our customers when we visit with them to discuss replacement windows. However, not all companies have the ability to offer the latest in window technology.

When these companies visit with potential clients they can only offer those products their company sells and if a triple pane window is not something their company handles, it seems that that more often than not, the easiest way out for the consultant is to lie. I know that is a strong word, but frankly it is the only one that fits when a person says that increased U-value (an important measure of efficiency) really is not important or that triple pane windows really dont work.

These statements could not be further from the truth. A triple pane window with low-coatings and an argon or krypton gas between the panes will return a tremendous increase in efficiency that directly translates to lower energy bills for the homeowner.

However, rather than take my word for it, I have recently had the pleasure of simply directing my clients to information and programs that are coming out of the Department of Energy. First, the Energy Star program. As of April 1 2010, there will be new, more stringent requirements for windows that want to carry the energy star label. In Pennsylvania, this will mean a window with a minimum U-Value of .3. This will bring Energy Star standards into alignment with the requirements for the 2009 and 2010 energy tax credit.

While these standards can be met with a dual pane window with an advanced glass package, they certainly cannot be met by the low end products that unfortunately permeate the market. Soon, though there look to be standards in place that even the best double pane windows will not be able to match. Currently the DOE is looking at implementing an R-5 window program which would essentially try to create demand for the production of windows that have an overall R value of 5. In order to achieve this, the glass unit on the window would need to have a U value of approximately .20, something that can only be achieved using a triple pane window or specially designed films between the panes.

The reason that the government is trying to promote these increases in the performance of windows is because it translates to real savings for the homeowner and has national benefits such as reducing dependence on foreign energy and the reduction of our national carbon footprint. According to the Energystar.gov website, upgrading from single pane windows to the current energy star standard for windows translates to monthly savings of up to $478 per month, that's some real savings.

If you are in the market for replacement windows, be sure to take the time to do your research before you start to get estimates. That way you will be able to recognize the savings that a good product can offer just as well as you will recognize the smoke that is being blown by people who's products just haven't kept up with current technology.

Tis' the season..... To Remodel?

2010-01-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Although many people may not realize it, this is one of the best times of the year to move forward with those remodeling plans that many homeowners have been putting off because of the cold weather.

By acting early in the season, homeowners can hope to realize a variety of benefits in improving their home. Rather than take the time to write lengthy descriptions of each of these I have listed what I consider to be the top 5 reason below. Incidentally this is the same theme as what I wrote about in "Remodeling and the Holiday Season" on December 2, so if you want to read more about this, check out that entry.

1. Remodelers are hungry right now. This is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal on a project as even many of the best companies out there could use some additional work right now. Let the remodeler know that you would be willing to accept installation immediately and you will be able to negotiate your best price.

2. The weather really does not impact installation of many products. I have heard many homeowners express concern about undertaking a major remodeling project during bad weather. However in most cases these concerns can be handled with some forethought on the part of the installer. The use of drop cloths, booties, etc. will mitigate any mess. Additionally, any good remodeling company recognizes that clean up is as important as any other part of the job and will be sure to clean up at the end of a project.

3. Since the spring is the busy time of the year for remodelers, purchasing then can mean long waits as other customers fill the schedule ahead of you. By purchasing in the January, you will be able to get your project done quickly.

4. Again, since the spring is the busiest time of the year for remodelers, this is often a time when manufacturer's will look to increase their prices. Beat this price increase by getting your project under contract now. In many cases, if your project is under contract but has not yet been installed, a good contractor will be able to get their supplier to honor the old pricing.

5. Because the winter is a slower time for remodelers, individual projects will command more attention from the company involved. Further, those who are involved in the project for you will tend to be more of the "A" quality people from their company. Many remodelers will add staff as they become busier, sometimes resulting in a slip in quality. By purchasing your project now, you will have the benefit of an installer that the company see's fit to keep busy year round.

As you pull into your driveway on these cold winter days and you see the projects you have planned for this spring. Ask yourself if this is a project that could be installed now, if so, proceed to find the right contractor and you will get a top notch job at a great price.

The Cash for Caulkers Jobs Creation Program

2009-12-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of talk in the news this week about the idea of a second stimulus program focused on job creation. One key aspect of this program would be an incentive for people to spend money on energy efficient upgrades to their home.

In my opinion, so far, so good. I believe that up to this point much of the government action during this recession has been to benefit large businesses and the financial industry with very little assistance for normal folks and small business. Considering how dependent our country is on small businesses and consumer spending, this has seemed to me to have been a major missed opportunity to inject some life into the economy.... get help to small businesses, we make jobs!

At any rate, the rough outline of this program as I have read about it in a variety of online locations is this:

Homeowners get a 50% credit on spending on certain energy efficient upgrades to their home up to a $12,000 credit (on a total purchase of $24,000). Included purchases would be things like energy efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, windows and insulation.

This program seems to be to be a good idea for several reasons.

1. It builds value in homes. If homeowners continue to invest in their homes on a large scale, we will see a faster turnaround in the real estate market.
2. It creates real jobs. This program will create work at the installation level as home improvement companies do the work. It will create factory jobs as the material is produced, it will create jobs for people to go out and estimate and specify the work.
3. It dovetails well with the need for better energy efficiency in the United States, allowing us, as a nation, to work on two problems (unemployment and energy) at the same time.

I do have two specific concerns that I believe will greatly impact the effectiveness of this program.

First, the government must find a better way to get the funds for this out in the hands of consumers than what happened with "cash for clunkers" Remodelers by and large will not be able to foot the bill for large amounts of remodeling work while waiting months for repayment by the government. Perhaps allowing this to be a refundable credit.

Second, the requirements for participation must be kept simple and the record keeping must not be overly onerous. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have passed two very rigid training and testing courses for home efficiency, BPI and Resnet. While I believe that these classes were beneficial, I do not think this type of certification should be required to participate in the program, I think this would both significantly slow down the implementation of this, but I also think it would drastically reduce the companies that would be available to participate.

My solution to making sure that homeowners get a good efficiency bang for their buck is to set specific material requirements and as long as those materials are used correctly and installed correctly, then this should qualify. If there are concerns about the effect an incorrect installation would have on efficiency, then require the contractor to be certified on that particular product by the manufacturer.

The concept of "Cash for Caulkers" is a very good idea, I only hope it is allowed to develop in a way to maximize benefit to the economy. Companies like Legacy Remodeling would hire many additional workers if we could find the work for them to do. Give us that opportunity.

The Myth of Manufacturer Direct

2009-12-08T08:47:00.001-08:00

Today's topic in the Home Base remodeling blog is those retailers who represent one particular manufacture. In most cases these are companies that have a retail division and which also manufacture the product they sell, although there are examples of businesses that utilize a franchise model as well and are are therefore tightly linked to the manufacturer of the product they sell.

In most cases, these companies will claim to be able to offer a better price, due to the fact that the retailer is getting their product directly from the plant. However a closer look would reveal that this approach may not be the best for the customer.

First of all, the idea of a lower price due to the relationship between the retail operation and the plant is largely a myth. Most large remodeling companies, like Legacy Remodeling, are able to purchase materials directly from manufacturer's. This means that in terms of pricing, there will be a fairly even playing field for the price of comparable materials.

However, pricing is not the only important consideration when selecting the right product and company for your home. When looked at from this angle, it becomes apparent that it is more advantageous to deal with a specialty remodeler. A good knowledgeable remodeling company will be able to offer several different products from different manufacturer's and through working with the homeowner, help them in selecting the right one for them.

A specialty remodeling company will be able to find the product that is the best fit for a homeowner, while the manufacturer outlet is beholden to one company and can not offer the wide selection of products. The manufacturer direct retailer must tell you that their product is best, because it is all they can offer. Would you really want to try to fit a square peg into a round hole, or would you want to pick the product that is really right for your home.

These comp

EPA Lead Paint Requirements, Part 3

2009-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

This is my third posting in a series about the upcoming federal rules regarding lead-based paint as it relates to contractors. As you are aware the upcoming EPA requirements regarding lead-based paint are an effort to mitigate the risks that lead can cause to humans. These regulations will impose new informational, training, job site, and record keeping requirements on contractors who work in pre-1978 homes.

While I agree that limiting this risk is an admirable goal, I believe that the way that it is being done is a heavy handed needless federal intervention in small business. Further, I think that these requirements will have numerous drawbacks and will ultimately have negative, unintended consequences.

In no particular order I see 3 primary problems with these regulations. First, I believe that these rules will be difficult to enforce fairly and evenly, something that I think is a problem when you consider that the fines for violation can reach $32,500 per day. There are hundreds of thousands of contractors in this country who perform types of work that could at times involved lead based paint issues. This includes general contractors, painters, window companies and numerous others. The vast majority of these companies are sole proprietorship, one man operations. These companies often do not have a physical address beyond the owners home. This type of company is very difficult to find, let alone audit for compliance. Furthermore, when you consider the costs that will be associated with compliance, I believe that many of these types of operations will choose not to comply and simply roll the dice that the EPA will not find them. In most cases I believe that they will be right.

Conversely, companies like Legacy Remodeling and other larger, more legitimate companies will be in a position where they really have no choice but to comply. We advertise, we have a physical office and logo'd vehicles. In short, the more legitimate companies make a bigger target and therefore will comply because to not do so would be an unwise risk. This unfortunately will put legitimate businesses at a disadvantage as we have to add another layer to our cost structure. This is a problem for many reasons, for one, it will slow our growth and reduce the rate at which we are able to hire. If this holds true at other companies that are similar to Legacy, this will slow down a segment of the economy just as our country is trying to recover from recession.

My second main problem with this set of regulations in the cost that it will impose on companies working in the remodeling field. This starts with the cost of training. At my business I expect the initial round of training will cost us between $3,000 and $5,000. We will then need to do periodic supplemental training due to turnover in our workforce.

Beyond the initial training, we will need to account for time taken to perform the required tasks for compliance. Whether this is posting the work area ahead of time, setting up containment, post installation cleanup or testing, this will take man hours. Whether I will have our installers do this work or I hire someone specifically for this, there is a cost associated with it that must be covered.

The final cost component is the material that is needed to implement this properly.... basically sheets and sheets and sheets of plastic.

Once you figure these costs into a businesses plan, it becomes apparent that in order to comply businesses will have to raise prices or allow their margins to shrink. Both of which are unattractive options considering the recent economic climate. As many clients are unwilling to spend more right right now, I believe that this will result in a slower recovery for the home improvement industry.

Lastly this program is in my opinion VERY un-environmentally friendly. Contractors are required to use literally hundreds of square yards of plastic sheeting to protect the ground on an average size gutter replacement (probably doubling the price for that project). Similar requirements exist for window replacement and many other activities. Production of this plastic sheeting requires the use of petroleum and produces carbon. This material must be thrown away after the project because it is presumably toxic... this will only further fill landfills with a material that will take tens of thousands of years to breakdown.

As a company that prides itself on being "green" this last part is down right offensive.

From my perspective there is a worthy goal here in reducing human exposure to lead-based paint. However the EPA program about to come into place is not the best way. I believe that it would be appropriate to delay the implementation of these requirements as this program is re-evaluated with an eye towards its effect on employment, as well as ensuring we don't generate a new environmental problem while trying to solve an old one.

Legacy Remodeling Q&A

2009-12-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

My business, Legacy Remodeling, sends out a newsletter to customers called the Remodeling Report. Included in this are some nice informational articles regarding home improvements. One of these segments is a Q&A segment where I answer a question posed by a customer. I figured since the information covered is good stuff for homeowners to know about that I would post it here. If you are interested in receiving the Remodeling Report, please go to our website and sign up. Thanks!

Q: Dear Jeff,

My wife and I are interested in getting our basement redone so that we can use it as a playroom for our girls. However, we have some water damage. Can we still redo the basement?

Thanks,
Rob, Wexford

A: Asking about water damage is one of the most common questions about the basement finishing system, Rob, and one that rings especially true in the Pittsburgh area.

By nature, your basement is the dampest area of your home, so dealing with water damage and flooding issues is something that many people face. Refinishing your basement will definitely be an option, but if you have extensive damage, working with a basement waterproofing company should be your first step. A waterproofing company will be able to correct any existing problems and ensure that no water can penetrate the basement in the future.

Once your basement is properly waterproofed, you'll be ready to move forward with refinishing it. Because of your basement's previous history with water damage, it's important to get a basement system that is mold and mildew resistant. Unfortunately, drywall, while fine in other parts of the house, can be a disaster in the basement. Basically, drywall can be a feeding ground for mold because it is an organic material. That's why it's important to find a basement finishing system that uses materials that will work with the basement environment, such as fiberglass. You can view a video of Bob Vila talking about this here.

While the process of getting your basement redone can be tedious, it's definitely worth the payoff in the end - increasing both your living space and property value, while decreasing allergens, mold, and most importantly...those winter heating bills!

If you're unsure if you need to have your basement waterproofed or not before you go through with refinishing it, give us a call and we'd be happy to help.

-Jeff

EPA Lead Paint Requirements, Part 2

2009-12-07T07:09:00.001-08:00

In my previous blog entry I laid out the backround around the EPA's current lead based paint program. In this entry I will talk about some of the specific requirements.

Starting in April of 2010, there will be numerous requirements placed on contractors who perform work in homes built prior to 1978.

Regardless of whether you are working inside or outside of an home, these requirements must be met for nearly any project where the renovation will disturb more than 6 sq. ft. of surface area in a pre-1978 structure.

These requirements include testing for the presence of lead-based paint in the work area. If there is no lead found in a home, then there is no need to continue with the implementation of the protocols.

If however, lead is confirmed to be present on an interior project the contractor is then required to post warning signs in the area around the worksite, use extensive plastic sheeting to seal off work area's, remove or seal in plastic furnishings or other items in a room, cover the floor, and implement thorough cleaning requirements including the wiping down of all walls, use of HEPA vacuum equipment and proper disposal of all plastic sheeting. If the work is done on the outside of the home, the regulations can become even more onerous, including covering the outside ground with plastic sheeting a minimum of ten feet around the work area. In certain circumstances, vertical containment can be required. Once a job is done and the cleanup properly carried out, there are record keeping requirements that must be met.

In the event that a contractor fails to properly adhere to this rule, the EPA can issue fines up to $32,500 per day. Ouch...

As mentioned in part one of this blog, I have numerous concerns regarding this rule which I will address in my next blog entry. These include the ability to fairly and evenly enforce this, the costs of implementation and the environmental aspect of these requirements.

EPA Lead Paint Requirements, Part 1

2009-12-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

I added a "part 1" to the title of this blog, because I expect will have several entries regarding this subject. There are a lot of aspects to these new requirements and an even greater number of consequences. For that reason it would be difficult to cover all of it in a single blog entry without running many pages.

As many of you may or may not be aware, on April 22, 2010, new EPA regulations go into effect with regards to remodeling work in structures built before 1978. This is due to the fact that these building could reasonable be suspected of having had lead paint used in or on them at some point prior to the banning of lead based paint.

The presence of lead has been linked with developmental problems in people, particularly small children. For that reason, lead has been phased out of many things over the past 30 years. Unfortunately the lead that was used in paint still exists in many structures under layers of newer paint or other material like tile or wall board. When area's such as this are disturbed it can generate paint chips and dust with lead in them.

In order to mitigate this risk the Federal Government, through the EPA, has implemented a program of required actions when working on homes, child care facilities and schools built prior to 1978. This program is known as the EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program.

The first step in this program was informational. For the past several years, remodelors, real estate agents and others have been required to distribute an informational piece to customers when they were dealing with pre-1978 properties. So far, so good. My company, Legacy Remodeling , has been doing this for several years. I believe that this is good information to give to homeowners about a possible health hazard in their home.

However, as we get closer to the April 22 deadline for compliance on job sites, I am increasingly concerned by what appears to be very heavy handed government regulations. These regulations will raise the risk of fines for companies that fail to comply, will raise prices for homeowners due to the required materials, will be difficult to enforce fairly and consistently, and is contrary to the entire idea of "green."

I am going to stop here, but will examine these four area's of concern in my next entry.

Energy Efficiency in Home Improvements

2009-12-03T07:20:00.001-08:00

In today's posting, I wanted to discuss the idea of energy efficient home improvements. There has been a lot of talk over the past year about this topic and there is a lot of government money going into programs to support home weatherization efforts.

Earlier this year, I spent two weeks attending courses in home energy efficiency and weatherization. The first of these courses was a RESNET certification course which I successfully completed. RESNET stands for residential energy services network. The second course was a certification called BPI (Building Performance Institute) which I also completed. Without getting into all of the details, these courses prepared me to work as a home energy auditor/rater. This knowledge, combined with the proper equipment would allow me to model a customers home in order to compare it to an ideal home and then make suggestions for the homeowner as to how they could best improve the efficiency of their home.

These classes taught me a lot about the science of home efficiency and about what goes into controlling energy flow into and out of a home. I took away from these classes an ability to identify the most cost efficient ways to improve a homes efficiency and to maximize the homeowners ROI in an absolute dollar sense (X number of dollars spent will save Y dollars in energy). In many cases the first thing a homeowner can do is simple air sealing and insulation which can be inexpensive and effective.

However, what I think was missed in these programs was the benefit of other, typically more expensive remodeling projects such as insulated windows or solid core insulated vinyl siding. My sense was that this was due to a much lower direct return on that investment when looking only at energy savings.

When examined only from the perspective of an investment return via energy efficiency, is understandable to exclude expensive projects with a longer payback period. In my opinion however, this is a very narrow view. According to the most recent Cost Vs. Value report in Qualified Remodeler magazine a homeowner can expect to recoup up to 70-80% of the value of an upscale window or siding project when they later sell their home and that is excluding any possible appreciation in the value of their home in the meantime. Additionally the homeowner will experience the benefit of having remodeled their home... i.e. enjoying their nice new windows or attractive vinyl siding. Lastly, by installing new products the homeowner will likely be able to save additional money through avoided maintenance (no scraping and painting that old siding).

Considering the homeowner will be able to put a large part of this kind of an investment back into their pocket, I believe there is a very favorable argument for encouraging homeowners to put money into these improvements. The current federal energy policy strongly supports the lower cost improvements (air sealing). However I believe that it would be appropriate to continue and possibly even expand the current Energy Efficiency Tax Credit which is the only federal incentive that is currently being offered to help support the installation of certain energy efficient appliances and home improvement products (windows, furnaces, etc.).

This would do several things. First, it would allow us to maximize home energy efficiency by not only picking the low hanging fruit. Second, it would allow people to continue to build equity in their homes, something that durable long term improvements will do, but that air sealing will not. Third, this would contribute to economic recovery. America needs it factories at work. We need to be making efficient refrigerators and windows. These create good paying jobs in ways that a lot of the more simple energy retrofits simply do not. By encouraging all types of energy efficient home remodeling, the government can achieve the double benefit of maximizing both the efficiency aspect of this stimulus as well as maximizing other positive aspects of the stimulus such as increasing factory output.

Home Improvements and the Holiday Season

2009-12-02T18:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to the Home Base. A blog about Home Improvements written by me, Jeff Moeslein, owner of Legacy Remodeling, I have worked in this industry for over a decade and write this blog as a way to share my views of this business as well as helpful information with homeowners.

The winter months of December and January are typically slow time for the remodeling industry. Many smaller companies simply shut down, while larger ones resign them selves to the fact that those two months are essentially an opportunity to prepare for Spring. From the homeowners perspective this type of work often gets forgotten at this time of year, what with holidays and gifts and family and good food, there is little time left to think about getting new windows, let alone to do it when its 30 degree's outside.

This however does not need to be the case. Both homeowners and home improvement companies can use this time of year to get meaningful work done.

For a customer who is shopping for remodeling projects, December can be a time that is full of opportunity. For most of the year, the saying "you get what you pay for" holds true. Better companies and better products cost more and with good reason. However in December, even the really well regarded remodeling companies are generally slower than they would like to be. This opens the door to negotiate what is probably the best deal you will get all year long. Many home improvement companies run low on work by the end of the winter and are therefore anxiously awaiting spring. With this in mind, you may find companies willing to negotiate much better rates on projects than they would when they are busier. If you give a company the opportunity to add some work to their schedule in December, you will find that most will work very hard to find a way to make the project work for both you and them.

This opportunity for a better price doubles when you consider that many home improvement manufacturers implement price increases in spring. Therefore if you wait until spring, you will not only be buying at a time when business in abundant for contractors, but you will also be paying a premium for the material they use.

By spending time selecting a good quality company, a homeowner in December can get high quality work done at a price that will typically be better than at any other time of the year. Further, many of the more reputable companies have financing options that allow up to a year with no interest and no payments. If you are expecting a tax return that could help pay for the project, a savvy homeowner can finance the project now, at a better price, using someone else's money and paying no interest as long as the loan is repaid quickly.

Plus, as an added bonus, if the product you are purchasing adds insulation value to your home like insulated siding, replacement windows, or attic insulation, then getting them project done now will also allow you to reap the benefits of this efficiency immediately.

Viewing December from the other side of the equation, Remodeling companies must set their goals appropriately. December will never be a stronger time of year than the spring, but it can be a meaningful part of your companies yearly business. December is an excellent time for companies to reconnect with their existing customer base through a newsletter, customer postcard, email blast, or any other way that keeps you in front of your customers for a reasonable cost. Pairing this with a holiday promotion may earn you some additional business at a low cost. The holiday season also lends itself to holiday centered promotions, these can come in many forms. From delivering inexpensive holiday themed gifts to recent installs in order to look for referrals, to becoming involved in a promotion with a charity. There is a lot that can be done to continue to market in December. Lastly, with all of the other distractions that potential customers are dealing with at this time of year, if a homeowner does agree to spend the time to get an estimate on a project they are considering, chances are good that they are probably serious about actually doing this job at some point in the near future. If you can show them homeowner why it makes sense to do this project now, you may have a good chance at earning a sale.

Torch Award

2009-11-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

As I sit down to write this installment in the Home Base, I am very proud to be able to address the topic of ethics in the home improvement industry in a positive way. So often remodeling has a bad reputation because of the sleazy tactics some companies use. There are news paper articles and TV news reports about senior citizens being ripped off or someone providing a large deposit to a contractor who never returns to do the work.

With this in mind, it is especially noteworthy to me that my business, Legacy Remodeling, has been named the winner of the 2009 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in the Marketplace. This prestigious honor is a reflection of the way a business conducts itself towards its employee's, customers and the surrounding community.

As I mentioned in a previous posting, Pennsylvania has enacted contractor registration legislation this year which requires all companies that perform home improvement work for pay to register with the state. Customers who are interested in having this type of work done are encouraged to check with Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office prior to hiring a contractor. One of the suggestions which the AG's office makes on their website, is that homeowners should also check with the BBB to see what kind of record the company they are considering has.

With Legacy being named as the 2009 winner of the Torch Aware, homeowners in the Pittsburgh area have the opportunity to select a company that not only handles quality products and will do a quality job, but also a company that they can feel comfortable will deal with them with honesty and integrity.

Remodeling In An Uneven Regulatory Environment

2009-11-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hello again and thank you for taking the time to stop by The Home Base. A blog about all aspects of home improvements for both homeowners and remodeling professionals. Today's entry regards the regulatory environment that remodelors operate in today.

As someone who has worked in the remodeling industry for over a decade and who owns and runs a remodeling company, Legacy Remodeling, I am constantly faced with rules and regulations that are implemented by various local, state and federal government entities. These include such things as local building codes and building permit requirements, state contractor registration (Pennsylvania) and state contractor licensing (West Virginia), consumer protection laws (mandating 3 day rescission periods), and federal laws regarding lead paint among other things.

From the perspective of the Remodelor, I feel that in many cases this government involvement in my industry is a positive thing. There need to be rules and structure to make sure that minimum standards for quality and safety are met. Companies must be held accountable to treat their employee's properly and to deliver on their contractual obligations to their customers. As someone who is in this business for the long term, I am more interested in building positive relationships with the people who work for me and who I do work for. For this reason my business enjoys a strong base of repeat and referral business.

Unfortunately there are many companies in the home improvement industry who do not feel this way. In many cases people enter this business and completely fail to meet any of their legal requirements for operating as a home improvement contractor. In some cases this is done out of the ignorance of someone who simply doesn't know any better, but in my opinion, most of the time this is because they simply don't care.

This lack of compliance can come in many forms. They may lack required state credentials, they may have failed to obtain liability insurance to protect your home should it be damaged in the course of their work. They may lack workers compensation insurance, leaving the homeowner on the hook in the event a worker is injured. Contractors may fail to get required permits or variances, potentially leaving the homeowner with illegal modifications to their home that they may be required to tear down later.

In any event, the one positive trade off for the homeowner from all of this increased risk, generally comes in the form of a lower price. By utterly failing to comply with these types of requirements, the contractor is able to charge a lower price and gain an unfair edge in the market. While legitimate companies incur the cost of insurance, compliance, registration etc. These fly by night contractors do not and are able to under bid companies that do the right thing.

I believe that the blame for this situation lies with the governments who issue the regulations. It is my opinion that if a municipality, state, or even the federal government is going to create a rule, then they should also be responsible for proper enforcement. Too often, communities fail to enforce building codes, or they do so arbitrarily. Although the State of Pennsylvania has had a contractor's registration law on the books since July 1, 2009, I see competitors every day who are in violation of this law. The EPA (federal government) is prepared to implement sweeping lead paint regulations in April 2010, this will be a costly regulation both for customers and for contractors... unless of course, you choose not to comply. Non-compliance should not be seen as an option. Government needs to do a much better job of educating consumers as to why these regulations are important and necessary and also of ensuring that businesses are doing what they are supposed to as well. This is a responsibility that is owed not to only the citizens of these communities but also to the contractors who work in these places.

Governments at all levels should want to strengthen the good quality, honest companies in the home improvement industry and to weed out those who fail to comply. This will provide better quality services to the citizens of these communities, help to protect them from scams and rip-offs and will result in growth for the legitimate contractor's most of who are small business's, the greatest job generator in our country.

About Me...

2009-11-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and view my blog, The Home Base.

My name is Jeff Moeslein and my intention in creating this site is to provide a forum for me to review and discuss issues relevant to my passion, home improvements.

Currently, I am the President and one of the owners of Legacy Remodeling, Inc. Legacy is a specialty remodeling contractor that operates in SW Pennsylvania as well as parts of Ohio and WV. We perform between 750 and 1000 remodeling projects each year including window replacements, siding, roofs, soffit, fascia, decks, gutters, finished basements, sunrooms, room additions, kitchens, baths and home energy upgrades.

I have worked in this industry for the past 10 years. However, in reality, I have been around it all of my life. My father, Ken, who is also my partner in Legacy, worked in Alcoa's building products division when I was younger, and after working at several other manufacturer's of home improvement products, started a business called Swing Line Windows, in 1987.

I spent my teen years helping to set up home show displays, and later, summers home from Penn State were spent working on installation crews.

After graduation from Penn State, I started to work at Swing Line, spending two years working as a sales consultant, then as our marketing manager. As I continued to work in the business, I earned my M.B.A. from Robert Morris University. Eventually, after acquiring several Owens Corning franchise's, Ken and I reorganized our business's into Legacy.

In running Legacy for the past several years, I have learned a lot about the home improvement industry its products, suppliers, regulations and both the good and bad sides of the business. Future entries to this blog will focus on these various area's in an attempt to provide insight into specific issues relevant to home owners as well as to others involved in this industry.